We need to talk about bras. It's
National Bra Day, and
what better excuse could there be to have a good rummage through my underwear
drawer? From delicate lace and plunging necklines to something a little more
practical, I'm giving you a peek at my collection of boob-hugging favourites!
We spend a small fortune on them, complain about them, occasionally fall in
love with them and, quite often, can't wait to get the bloody things off!
Some are everyday essentials, others are reserved for special occasions, and a
few are so utterly impractical that I'm convinced their designers have never
actually encountered a pair of boobs in the wild.
But, love them or loathe them, most of us have a little collection tucked away
somewhere. And since today is National Bra Day, I thought I'd throw open my
underwear drawer and give you a guided tour of mine.
Naturally, I've dressed for the occasion. Or perhaps undressed would
be more accurate!
The Lace Triangle Bralette
Starting with something pretty, feminine and just a little bit cheeky!
I've always had a soft spot for lace triangle bralettes, with their delicate
floral patterns, scalloped edges, thin shoulder straps and tiny decorative
bows.
The triangular cup shape provides a flattering V-shaped neckline, while the
sheer lace offers a softer, more romantic appearance than the smooth fabric of
an everyday T-shirt bra. And, of course, there's that delicious little tease
of the nipples being just about visible through the lace without being
completely exposed.
These are all about gentle shaping and looking pretty. And I do love them!
There's something about delicate lace and tiny bows that makes even the
simplest bra feel a little special. Although I do sometimes wonder about those
little bows. They're completely unnecessary, serve absolutely no practical
purpose and probably add a few pennies to the manufacturing cost.
Naturally, I wouldn't dream of buying one without them!
The Strappy Cage Bralette
Now we're getting into the more decorative end of the underwear drawer!
This one combines soft lace cups with additional
decorative straps that frame the cleavage, creating an intricate, almost
harness-inspired effect across the bust.
Of course, the extra straps are primarily there for appearance rather than
support, although the wide underbust band does provide some gentle structure
without relying on substantial padding or rigid cups.
And then there's the sheer floral lace, which provides just enough coverage to
preserve a little modesty while offering tantalising glimpses of the skin
beneath. It's a lovely combination of delicate femininity and something just a
little more daring.
These are the sort of bras that are designed to be seen, perhaps peeking out
beneath a low-cut top or worn as part of a more adventurous outfit. And that's
where the fun begins!
Because while those additional straps look absolutely gorgeous, they also
introduce an entirely new level of complexity to getting dressed.
By the time you've worked out which bit goes where, you may well have
forgotten why you were getting dressed in the first place!
Still, sometimes looking fabulous is worth a little effort.
The Lace-Trimmed Demi-Cup Bra
Now here's a style that knows how to make the most of what nature provided!
Offering less coverage than traditional full-cup designs, it covers maybe
three-quarters of the breast while providing a flattering lift from below.
I particularly like the lace-trimmed varieties, which combine shaped cups with
delicate detailing along the upper edges. The relatively low neckline leaves
more of the upper bust exposed, creating a rounded, flattering silhouette
without necessarily relying on heavy push-up padding.
Unlike a full-cup bra, which prioritises coverage and support, this one is
designed to strike a balance between shaping my bust and showing a little
cleavage. And that's precisely why I like them!
There's something wonderfully reassuring about a bra that appears to
understand its responsibilities. Lift the girls, keep them in position and
make everything look fabulous.
If only all relationships came with such clearly defined expectations!
The Lightly Padded Plunge Bra
Some bras are designed to disappear discreetly beneath your clothes. Others
are rather more interested in making the most of what's underneath!
This one falls into the latter category by combining a deep V-shaped neckline
with a little extra shaping and support from the padding inside the cups. Add
some delicate lace edging and halter-style straps, and you've got something
that's as pretty as it is flattering.
Unlike heavily padded push-up bras, which can dramatically enhance the
appearance of the bust, the light padding in this one adds offers a more
subtle effect. It creates a smooth, rounded shape while providing a little
extra lift without making it look as though I've suddenly gone up two cup
sizes overnight.
The low centre front makes plunge bras particularly useful beneath low-cut
tops and dresses, allowing the neckline to dip without revealing the bra
itself.
Of course, the plunging cut also makes them rather good at showing off a
little cleavage. They're feminine, flattering and just a little bit daring.
Perfect for those outfits where a conventional bra would insist on making an
unwelcome appearance above the neckline.
Although, if I'm wearing something with a neckline that low, I'm not entirely
convinced keeping the girls hidden was ever part of the plan!
The Deep Plunge Triangle Bra
Sometimes you don't need fancy lace, complicated straps or enough padding to
double as a flotation device. A nice Satin deep plunge bra can take
the simplicity of a traditional triangle bra and combine it with a
dramatically lowered neckline, creating a particularly revealing V-shaped
opening between the cups.
The smooth, silky satin gives this one a lovely luxurious feel, with a subtle
sheen that catches the light beautifully. It's a refreshing alternative to
lace, offering a sleek, elegant appearance that's every bit as feminine
without needing elaborate decorations.
The soft cups and thin shoulder straps give it a lightweight, minimalist feel,
while the underbust band provides gentle support without the bulk of a more
heavily structured bra. It relies more on its cut and the natural shape of my
bust rather than additional padding. And because the cups are cut so low
towards the centre, they can be particularly flattering beneath tops and
dresses with very deep necklines.
Personally, I rather like the simplicity. There's something wonderfully
indulgent about slipping into silky satin, even when the bra itself is about
as uncomplicated as they come.
No lace, no frills, no engineering degree required to work out how to put one
on. Just a couple of silky triangles doing their very best to keep everything
where it belongs. Admittedly, with a plunge this deep, they're not giving
themselves much material to work with.
The Strapless Plunge Bra
Sometimes you want a bra that provides a little structure and shaping without
having shoulder straps getting in the way. That's where this little
puppy comes in!
Unlike a more simple bandeau, this bra's shaped cups and a supportive
underbust band provide me with definition and lift. The cups help maintain a
rounded silhouette, while the plunging centre allows for a more revealing
neckline than you'd typically find on many other styles of strapless bra.
They're my go to for beneath strapless dresses, off-the-shoulder tops and
other outfits where visible bra straps would spoil the look.
Of course, removing the shoulder straps means the band and cup construction
have to do all the work, which makes getting the fit right especially
important. And there's always that lingering question in the back of your
mind.
Is everything still where I left it?
Because nothing quite ruins an elegant evening like having to discreetly hoist
your boobs back into position every time you stand up.
Still, when a strapless bra fits properly, it's a wonderful thing. All the
shaping, none of the straps, and hopefully no unexpected escape attempts!
The Longline Bustier
Now for something with a touch of old-fashioned glamour!
I have a definite soft spot for longline bustiers. The shaped cups and
decorative seam lines often give them a distinctly corset-inspired appearance,
although without the rigid boning or waist-cinching construction of a
traditional corset.
I particularly like the lace varieties, with their delicate patterns,
scalloped necklines and fitted shapes. that can create a smoother, more
structured silhouette while also having the bonus of distributing support over
a larger area
Of course, as already mentioned, strapless lingerie always comes with one very
important question.
Will it actually stay up?
Because nothing ruins a sophisticated evening quite like having to perform the
discreet grab, wiggle and hoist manoeuvre every twenty minutes.
Still, when they work, a pretty longline bustier can look absolutely fabulous.
The Sports-Style Bra
Every underwear drawer needs something practical, and this is probably the
closest mine gets!
Sports bras are all about comfort, featuring simple scoop necklines, stretchy
fabric and broad bands beneath the bust.
No underwiring here. Just a reliance on gentle compression and the elasticity
of the fabric to hold everything in place. With no complicated fastenings,
push-up padding or elaborate lacework, they're a much more relaxed alternative
to structured lingerie.
Of course, not every sports-style bra are suitable for serious exercise. This
lightweight crop bra is much better suited to low-impact activities or
everyday lounging than vigorous workouts.
A gentle yoga session? Probably fine.
A five-mile run? I suspect the girls might have a few complaints!
Still, they're exactly the sort of thing I reach for when comfort is the
priority, particularly when I'm lounging around at home.
And after a day spent wearing something with underwiring, straps and enough
lace to decorate a wedding cake, slipping into something simple can feel
absolutely heavenly.
The Plunging Teddy
OK, so we're moving beyond ordinary bras now. And this lace teddy certainly
isn't interested in keeping a low profile!
The cups are soft and relatively unstructured, with delicate lace really just
providing coverage rather than the lift you'd get from anything that us
underwired. This baby is all about about the cut, the shape and a rather
generous amount of exposed skin instead.
The dramatic V-shaped opening draws attention to the cleavage, while lace
panels extending down the torso can create a sophisticated, corset-inspired
appearance.
Definitely something I enjoy wearing when I'm feeling confident and want my
underwear to make a statement. For very special occasions only really, when
someone else is deserving of a special treat.
Considering how much it reveals even given its wide area of coverage, its all
about making a statement. and that statement is hello, boys!
Let's be honest; I've I've chosen to put this on, it really is only with the
intent of letting someone else take it off
The Bodysuit
And finally, something that isn't technically a bra at all, but certainly
deserves a place in the collection!
I like how this bodysuit combines delicate lace with a daringly deep plunge
neckline, soft triangle-style cups and a high-cut bottom. The narrow straps
and lace-trimmed edges give it a wonderfully feminine appearance, while the
fitted design follows the natural curves of my body without relying on padding
or structured cups.
What I particularly love is the contrast between the lace and the amount of
skin it reveals. The sheer fabric offers just enough coverage to leave a
little to the imagination, while the plunging front makes absolutely no
attempt to disguise the cleavage. It's a rather lovely combination of romantic
and downright cheeky!
And unlike some of my more elaborate lingerie, there's no complicated
collection of straps, hooks or fastenings to contend with. Just a simple,
figure-hugging design that lets the lace do most of the talking.
Of course, calling it underwear does raise an interesting question.
When something looks this pretty, covering it up with clothes almost seems a
terrible waste! It's certainly not the sort of thing I'd choose for a quick
trip to the shops, although I suppose that depends on how adventurous I'm
feeling
Still, as a final entry in my little underwear parade, I think it makes a
rather fitting finale. After all, why finish with an ordinary bra when you can
go for the full package?
So, What's Your Favourite?
And there we have it. Ten different looks, one slightly overworked underwear
drawer and a whole lot of pink!
From practical everyday favourites to pretty little things that probably spend
more time being admired than actually worn, bras come in all sorts of shapes,
sizes and styles. Some lift, some shape, some simply cover, and others appear
to exist purely because somebody thought they'd look fabulous.
Of course, National Bra Day also falls during Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
so there's a more meaningful reason to give our bras a little attention.
For women who have undergone breast surgery, including mastectomies, finding
comfortable underwear can be a very different experience. Some choose
specialist bras or prostheses, others prefer going without, and some embrace
entirely different ways of dressing. There isn't one right answer, and nobody
should feel obliged to wear a bra, have breasts or look a particular way to
feel feminine.
So while I'm having a bit of fun showing off my collection today, it's worth
remembering that something as ordinary as choosing a bra isn't always quite so
ordinary for everybody.
But that's enough of the serious stuff for now!
Which of my ten looks gets your vote? Are you a lover of delicate lace, a fan
of something simple and comfortable, or perhaps a member of the free the
titties camp?
